social learning theory Flashcards
social learning theory
a way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, learning theory with role of cognitive factor
identification
when an observer associates themselves with a role model
modelling
from the observer’s perspective, modelling is imitating the behaviour of a role model
from role model’s perspective, modelling is the precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that may be imitated by an observer
assumptions
bandura - behaviour learned through observation and imitation
learning occurs directly through classical and operant conditioning but also indirectly
vicarious reinforcement
indirect learning
occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour
the role of meditational processes
cognitive factors that influence learning and come between stimulus and response
attention - the extent to which we notice certain behaviours
retention - how well the behaviour is remembered
motor reproduction - the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour
motivation - the will to perform the behaviour - determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished
identification
people more likely to imitate people they identify with
modelling
becomes a role model if seen to possess similar characteristics to the observer and/or are attractive and have high status
bandura
bobo doll
those who saw adult hitting the doll were more likely to display aggressive behaviour, and more likely if saw the adult being praised
cognitive factors
P - strength as recognises importance of cognitive factors in learning
E - offer more indepth explanation than classical or operant
E - humans make judgements about whether behaviour is appropriate
L - slt provides a more comprehensive explanation of human learning by recognising the role of meditational processes
P - criticised for too little reference to biological influence
E - bandura claimed natural biological differences influence learning potential - learning itself determined by environment
E - recent research - mirror neurons in brain which allow us to imitate
L - biological influences on social learning underemphasised
contrived lab studies
P - limitation as evidence based on lab studies
E - bandura - observation of young children’s behaviour in lab - people may respond to demand characteristics and unnatural setting
E - the main purpose of bobo doll was to hit it, so children behaved in a way they thought was expected
L - research may tell us little about how children actually learn aggression in everyday life
real-world application
P - strength as slt applied to real world behaviours
E - explain cultural differences, eg modelling, imitation and reinforcement and can explain how cultural norms are transmitted through societies
E - useful in understanding behaviours such as gender roles
L - increases the value of the approach as it can account for real-world behaviour
reciprocal determinism
P - bandura emphasised reciprocal determinism
E - we are not merely influenced by our external environment, but also exert an influence upon it
E - element of choice suggests there is some free will
L - contrasts with the behaviourist approach which denies the possibility of free will
